Spectrum of Findings on Compressive Duplex Ultrasonography of the Lower Limbs in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective and Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially fatal disease that can be diagnosed with compression duplex ultrasound (CDUS). This study investigated the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and ultrasound characteristics of lower extremity DVT in suspected patients at a Ghanaian tertiary hospital. Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional study, CDUS was performed in the leg veins of 138 patients suspected of DVT. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics and possible risk factors. Results: DVT was confirmed in 49 (35.5%) of 138 patients, with most thrombi (65.3%) located in the common femoral vein. Acute DVT was found in 19 (38.8%) patients and was more common among females than males (50% vs. 23.8%, Conclusion: The prevalence of DVT in our study population was 35.5% with no gender predilection. DVT was mostly chronic, and thrombus was mostly found within the common femoral vein. Varicose veins and a history of previous DVT increased the likelihood of DVT diagnosis. Comprehensive ultrasound screening, centred on proximal veins, especially in patients with varicose veins or a previous DVT, may be required for the diagnosis of DVT.